Springfield daily republic. [volume] (Springfield, O. [Ohio]) 1887-1888, 1887-05-24
ROMANCE OfAPARSONt AGE

eastern France, none of more smiling,
gracious aspect. There is picturesqueness,
too, about its quiet streets the low srcadeS
with round arches recalling Spanish occu-
patton Of Franche Comte, Part Of the rich
dover of Mary OF Burgundy, and bits of
Spanish Observation-Disclosures remain here
and there. Round shout rise the pleasant
hills, mere gentle declivities, although
designated by the name of mountains ~.
these parts little river runs by the
town. hiding itself in n green valley, I've.
yond tower the dark pine forests Of he
Jura: while far away stretches the Al
pine fairyland. Mont Blanc, and its sister
peaks, flakes OF violet and amber IN the
far distance so dead alive this townliny
OF LOU or 5000 souls, SO unfrequented by
tourists and remote from the highways Of
the world, that not carriage awaits the
chance Traveller who makes halt here
Only tumble down omnibus, for the con
Nenience Of business men, plies between the
railway stat ion and the one inr OF the place
Into this cumbersome vehicle. on bright
September day, stepped lady whose ap-
pearance WAS little in keeping with such
shabby surroundings Fer dress was sim
pie enough certainly, . Aun's We're hardly
palmer, Yet the black gown Of light gauze,
the long Veil tast seemed part Of IL and the
small bonnet. mere coronet Of jet Oh the
golden hair, but served 10 heighten the
wearer's beauty Hers was loyeliness OF
the most dignified kind, features, figure,
carriage, indicated the nobility impaired by
high rank and elegant bringing up. as well
as a certrin state natural to some women;
and, in spite Of the studied sobristy of dress,
evidences We're there Of ancestral wealth
and splendor. From her small ears hung
rare enamels in the quaint setting of the
Renaissance. The brooch that fastened
her dress was q nenr de lis fashioned Of
pearls, evidently an heirloom; aud as she
gathered up her skirts 10 step into the
omnibus, n hounce of rich lace fell over
the slender foot. There were no other
passengers, and the blue bloused con
ductor, hat ia hand, stood by the door
awaiting instructions. So self absorbed,
however, WAS the lady, that she did not
notice his presence and he was obliged at
last 10 ask her destination.
Slightly coloring, and with the sir OF
one aroused from deep reverie, she made
reply:
Drive me, II You please, to the Pro
testant parsonage"
Once or twice, when the horses slack
ened speed, and she thought it WAS time
10 aliSht, her color went and came, she
trembled Violently and drew a deep breath;
but when indeed the wheels stood still
10y tremendous effort she recovered self
possession.
''ls the Pastor AWHILE Within Her
voice did not tremble, but 1t WAS in a
strained key. She had turned very pale. (
and WAS evidently asking herself whether
indeed she had courage To fulhu her er-
rand.
The Pastor Anvilles-I am he" was
the reply, spoken briefly and absently
The minister had evidently been dis /
turbed in the midst Of serious occupation.
and had not so much as given himself
time IL identify his intruder This much .
WAS clear-a lady waited on his threshold;
lac felt bound TO invite her within.
He WAS striking looking man. in mid
die life-that is to say, in his prime. But
for the habiliments of Protestant pastor,
he must at once have been taken for a
Catholic priest. The priestly stamp WAS
undoubtedly there-the fine features close
~ shaven, the penetrating look, the gen
eral aspect, recalled rather the disciple Of
loyoia than of Calvin; and, could it be-
the crown OF the head showed unmistaka-
BILE signs uf the tonsure.
He WAS no meanly endowed son Of
Adam, quite the reverse; but for all that
an observer would single hiIa out Of a
crowd 10y reason of intellectual rather than
physical superiority. The noble brow. the
commanding look marked him from I
others He ought To have occupied one I
Of the metropolitan pulpits OF the world
such a man could but he force, moral as
well as spiritusl-a mighty lever of human
wills and passions, a powerful agent in ,
the strife Of good with evil
Bright sunshine filled the little strhy in
:
The lady had raised her veil. her fair,
gold brown hair caught the sunlight The '
place seemed irradiated by her pensiye |
Yet sunny beauty. I
DO yOu not recognize me nowf' she I
asked, III y voice of sweet, trembling,
feminine appeal. ''Georgette de Beau {
mont-ofttlmes your penitent in days gone 1
bys'' {
Il forget nothing" was the bitter, per I
haps lroaic reply. You are one of those I
who came TO my confessional with your I
girlish derelictions years ago" .
For n brief moment he had seemed to '
Etagger, shrinking from that exquisite t
presence: but, Just as she had done a mo J
nent before, by violent effort he now {
re2ained his self composure. Offering her Z
Ii seat, the pastor placed n chair for him 4
self opposite her own, then closed the door -
evidently prepared for a confidence f
II on have come TO me in some trouble a
or perplexity-thst See, " he began, smil {,
ing family. And You are aware of my q
altered circumstances. As friend as a
minister OF the gospel, l am ready To p
advise, perhaps able to comfort; the priest, "
the confessor, the absolyer, You know
well, have ceased to exist r,
Il know II, was the timid, girlishly cl
hesitatiny reply. C,
Yet the beautiful speaker could hardly L.
be called girl she was in the flower Of |
womanhood, not its opening bud, and had "
certainly passed her thirtieth year. =,
Il should have come to you long ago." m
she continued, but my courage failed =,
uIe'' ~
Then she broke OF suddenly as IL cour- d.
age failed her still A lovely blush tinged N
ber cheeks, tears glistened on the long a,
eye Elashes. A sndden light seemed To break "
upon his mind He leaned forward and q,
her keenly. nj
''YOr, too" he said, '-Georgette de n
Beaumont, daughter Of one of the most
ancient houses of Catholic France, you N,
also have 1orsaken the faith OF your faith
crss Is n possible thst you are Protes- g,
tant now, like myself fs
i am Catholic STILL - was the pas m
ii1nnte. reckless answer But l am 4,
llune in tie world. My apostasy could vi
Jain none | love. Only say the word N
md | place my conscience III your keep
n.' n,
Oh e he cried, in q voice deeply moved ,s
he WAS evidently wrung TO the heart by .,
his confession. implying as it did an r.
.mpty woman's life. hungry heart, an A,
soui-''oh leave these rude 70
,onliiets To minds of tougher texture
hese dire problems to theologians-and nj
est content yourself TO be good and in
lappy.' m
The words were uttered with deep feel n
ng. almost impassioned tenderness, and "
Icihcr knew how il was She had slipped :,
rom her chair To the side of his own and n,